IPOA Boss Summoned Over OCS Talaam’s Phone Soliciting Money from Public

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has found itself under scrutiny following disturbing revelations that a mobile phone belonging to OCS Julius Talaam, a senior officer stationed in Kajiado County, has allegedly been used to solicit money from members of the public. As a result, a parliamentary committee has officially summoned the IPOA chairperson to explain the circumstances surrounding the case and the agency’s response to the matter.

The summons were issued by the National Assembly’s Committee on Administration and Internal Security, which is now demanding full disclosure from IPOA on the investigation into the scandal. The committee expressed deep concern that a phone line linked to a senior police officer could be involved in possible extortion, and called for urgent measures to restore public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

According to reports tabled before the committee, multiple complaints have been made by citizens in Kajiado and surrounding counties, claiming they received calls and messages from a number associated with OCS Talaam’s office, asking for cash in exchange for police favours or to avoid fabricated charges. In some instances, the alleged victims were small business owners and boda boda operators threatened with arrest if they failed to “cooperate.”

IPOA, mandated to investigate police misconduct, initially launched an internal probe after the allegations surfaced on social media and were further backed by mobile money transaction records. However, MPs have now accused the authority of moving too slowly and failing to provide timely public updates on the progress of the investigation.

Speaking at a press briefing, Committee Chairperson Gabriel Tongoya said: “This is a very serious matter. If the public can be intimidated or extorted by people using police resources, it completely undermines the rule of law. IPOA must appear before us and provide clarity on what action has been taken.”

The IPOA chairperson and relevant officials are expected to appear before the committee next week to respond to questions about OCS Talaam’s involvement, the status of the mobile phone in question, and whether any disciplinary or criminal recommendations have been made.

In the meantime, the National Police Service (NPS) has distanced itself from the officer, stating that the allegations, if proven, represent an individual’s misconduct and not institutional policy. NPS Spokesperson Bruno Shioso said the Service is committed to upholding integrity and will cooperate fully with IPOA and Parliament to ensure accountability.

Civil society organisations, including the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and Transparency International, have called for the immediate interdiction of OCS Talaam pending investigations, and urged the government to adopt stronger mechanisms for citizen protection against police abuse.

As pressure mounts, Kenyans await clear answers on how a law enforcement officer’s communication line could be misused for financial gain and whether any network of corruption exists behind the scenes. The upcoming parliamentary grilling is expected to shed light on the case and potentially lead to criminal prosecution if wrongdoing is confirmed.

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